2013 Nissan 370Z - 2012 Chicago Auto Show

Refreshed Z receives styling updates.

Most Read

At the 2012 Chicago Auto Show, Nissan has announced a mid-cycle refresh for the 370Z (internally designated the Z34) for 2013 model year. With a revised front fascia, vertical LED daytime running lights and red reflector replacing the black center cover on the rear bumper, most of the changes to the coupe and roadster versions of the 370Z are aesthetic. Detractors of the "fangs" on the lower part of the front bumper will be glad to know that they are now gone in favor for a front air inlet that's been smoothed into a rectangle. Magma Red and Midnight Blue are two new exterior color choices and the fuel gauge trim in the cabin receives a darker finish.

Sport package equipped Zs will see additional upgrades, including Euro-tuned shocks, red brake calipers and an updated 19-in. aluminum wheel design. The factory-tuned Nismo 370Z forgoes any revisions to the fascias or shocks, but inherits new high-rigidity brake hoses similar to the ones on the GT-R, and are now filled with performance brake fluid. The Nismo Z34 also gains an improved Bose audio system with two additional speakers and two subwoofers, and dark gray 19-in. wheels. The new Midnight Blue exterior hue will not be available for the Nismo version of the 370Z.

Powertrain specs remain the same for the 2013 370Z family. The standard 370Z and 370Z Touring will retain the 332-bhp 3.7-liter V-6 with either a 6-speed manual or 7-speed automatic transmission. For fans of clutches and open sky, a manual option for the convertible 370Z Roadster will be available in Touring trim only.

The Nismo 370Z returns with the same 350-bhp 3.7-liter V-6 engine. The 6-speed manual with SynchroRev Match, Nissan's rev-matching system, is its only transmission, and the Nismo Z34 comes with a viscous limited-slip differential. Both SynchroRev technology and the improved diff are available on non-Nismo variants via the optional Sport package. The Nismo Z and Sport package equipped Zs also include performance-oriented 4-piston front and 2-piston rear brake calipers and bigger brake discs. Exclusive to the Nismo Z, however, are Nismo-tuned springs and dampers, a 3-point front strut tower brace and aero kit, track-friendly items that are unchanged from the previous year.